History of Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

The city (Lincoln) was founded in 1856 as the village of Lancaster on the wild salt marshes of what was to become Lancaster County. In 1869,

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1868 - Lincoln replaced Omaha as the state capitol

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1889 - FATAL CISTERN GASES. SUCCESSIVE RESCUERS DROP IN AND DROWN WITH FIRST VICTIM.
Lincoln, Neb., July 17. - This afternoon four men lost their lives in this city under peculiar circumstances. A watch was dropped into cesspool and the men were endeavoring to recover it. They dug a large hole at the side of the cesspool, which was filled with water by the rain.

One man stood on a ladder above the water and made an opening into the cesspool; the foul air and gas rushed out and overcame him and he fell into the water. A friend went to give aid and was likewise overcome.

Others came to help and one by one seven men fell into the water which by this time was full of muck and slime from the vault.

Three were rescued, some by men who afterwards perished in attempting to save the others.

The dead are:
JAMES CRAWFORD, a bricklayer.
ALBERT KUNKLER, a laborer.
JOHN CLEARY, a blacksmith.
FRANK MALONEY, a plasterer.
Boston Daily Globe
Boston, Massachusetts
July 18, 1889

1894 - DEAD IN A FIERY WRECK. PASSENGERS BURNED IN A RAILROAD DISASTER.
An Engine and Two Cars Plunge From a Trestle Forty Feet Above Ground Near Lincoln, Neb. - The Work of Train Wreckers - Horrible Fate of the Victims.

A fearful wreck, involving the loss of eleven lives, one engine and two cars, occurred five miles south of Lincoln, Neb., on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad where it crosses on a high trestle the tracks of the Union Pacific and Burlington and Missouri River Railroads, shortly after 10 o'clock p. m. All indications point to train wreckers as the cause.

The dead are: C. D. ATANNARD, conductor, Council Bluffs, perished in the flames, leaves family; WILLIAM CRAIG, fireman, buried under engine, leaves family; IKE DEPOW, engineer, Council Bluffs, buried under engine; Grain dealer, of Fairbury, name unknown, burned to death in the wreck; five traveling men, names unknown, buried under car and burned to death; two farmers from Janson, Neb., en route for South Dakota, burned to death.

The Injured: HARRY FOOTE, brakeman, leg... Read MORE...

1895 - Lincoln
Lincoln, a city, the capital of the state of Nebraska and of Lancaster co., is situated on Salt Creek, 54 miles by rail S.W. of Omaha. Lat. about 40° 50' N.; lon. 96° 45' W. It is midway between Chicago and Denver, being 512 miles from each. Lincoln is located in the midst of a net-work of railroads, being a centre of no fewer than twelve distinct lines. The city is surrounded by beautiful undulating prairies, and excellent building-sites abound in its neighborhood. It contains a state-house built at a cost of $900,000, a state asylum for the insane which cost $275,000, a penitentiary, 5 national banks, 4 savings-banks, the state library of 20,000 volumes, 40 churches, 2 opera houses, and a high school which cost about $40,000. It is the seat of the Nebraska State University and Agricultural College, all departments of which are open to both sexes, the Nebraska Wesleyan University, the University of the Christian Church, the Episcopal Church College, Union College, the Western Normal... Read MORE...

1899 - Segelkes Pop Factory Burns
About 11 o’clock last night the brick building on the west side occupied by George Segelke as a pop factory, caught fire by the explosion of gas in a coal stove. Nearly all the fire plugs in the vicinity were frozen up and before the fire department could get water the building was in ruins. The loss is about $2,500. Insurance, $700 on contents in Farmers’ & Merchants’ of Lincoln sand $400 on the building in the London & Globe. Several magazines for storing carbonic acid gas exploded during the fire, the burning gas making it one of the fiercest fires ever occurring in the city. Mr. Segelke will rebuild and equip a new plant. The firemen suffered a great deal from the cold.
The Nebraska State Journal
Lincoln, Nebraska
February 14, 1899

1901 - FIRE DESTROYS A PENITENTIARY. Nebraska's State Prison A Mass Of Ruins - One Convict Lost.
LINCOLN, March 1. - The Nebraska State penitentiary is in ruins and one convict, FRANK PLUNGER, is dead. Fire which started at midnight destroyed the cell house and entire main building and the loss will probably exceed $200,000. The building was practically new. The only building saved was the east wing occupied by the warden, the chapel and a small reserve cell room. The prisoners were removed under extra guard without difficulty. Lieutenant Governor SAVAGE, acting Governor in the absence of Governor DEITCH, arranged to have a sufficient number of the national guards sent to the jail to prevent any escapes.

The alarm was immediately given, convicts, guards and employes aroused and an appeal telephoned the Lincoln fire department for help. The convicts were ordered to clothe themselves and in their prison garb were marshaled into the huge court yard where two hours later, they were still standing in a long double column line to the number of nearly three hundred, under the... Read MORE...

1901 - BUILDING IS BADLY DAMAGED. MECHANIC ARTS HALL AT UNIVERSITY FIRESWEPT. CAUSE NOT AT ALL CERTAIN - EVIDENCE POINTS TO DEFECTIVE WIRING BUT IS NOT CONCLUSIVE - LOSS OF $16,000 SUSTAINED WITH NO INSURANCE.
Lincoln, Neb. - With the fourth floor of Mechanic Arts hall fireswept, the loss by blaze and water amounting to upwards of $16,000, the state university yesterday morning sustained the most serious fire loss in its history. The damage to the roof and interior equipment of the building will entail a $10,000 loss on the university itself. An additional $6,000 to $8,000 loss is sustained by professors and students who lost books and instruments in the blaze. The building will be immediately reconstructed.

The fire was first discovered by employes in the administration building, who saw smoke and flame issuing from a ventilating shaft near the front of the burning structure. By the time the department had arrived the entire fourth floor was ablaze and for a time it appeared that the building was doomed. The slow burning construction kept the flames from spreading rapidly, however, and the fire was under control after an hour's hard work. In another hour it was entirely out.

The fire ... Read MORE...

1916
Lincoln, a city, the capital of the state of Nebraska and of Lancaster co., is situated on Salt Creek, about midway between Chicago and Denver, 54 miles SW. of Omaha, on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific, the Union Pacific and other railroads. Lat. about 40° 50' N. ; Lon. 96° 45' W. Lincoln is located in the midst of a net-work of railroads, and is surrounded by beautiful undulating prairie-land. It contains a state capitol. Federal building, state asylum for the insane, a penitentiary, state library, etc., and is the seat of the Nebraska State University and Agricultural College, with (1903-04) upward of 2500 students, all departments of which are open to both sexes ; the Nebraska Wesleyan University, Cotner University (Christian), Union College (Adventist), and other denominational collegiate institutions. In the vicinity of Lincoln are abundant saline springs and a beautiful salt lake. This place was selected as the seat of government in 1867, since which for some time it... Read MORE...

Lincoln, Nebraska has a lot to offer! Whether you're into history, nature, or just looking for some good food and entertainment, there's something for everyone. Here's a list to get you started:
Nebraska State Capitol:

Don't miss the stunning Nebraska State Capitol building. You can take a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture.

Sunken Gardens:

For a serene escape, visit the Sunken Gardens. It's a beautifully landscaped garden with vibrant flowers and water features.

Pioneers Park Nature Center:

Explore the outdoors at the Pioneers Park Nature Center. It's a great spot for hiking, bird watching, and learning about local wildlife.

Sheldon Museum of Art:

Art enthusiasts should head to the Sheldon Museum of Art, featuring a diverse collection of American art.

Haymarket District:

The Haymarket District is perfect for shopping, dining, and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Try some local restaurants and check out unique boutiques.

Lincoln Children's Zoo:

If you have kids or just love animals, the Lincoln Children's Zoo is a must-visit. It's an interactive and educational experience for all ages.

National Museum of Roller... Read MORE...